Christopher Newcomer's about to enjoy this leap of faith

His very first performance was for a church production when Christopher Newcomer was about 7 years old.

And while there were no drama critics in the audience, he felt pretty good about his debut.

So good, in fact, that he’s been smitten by acting ever since.

“I continued acting at Moorestown High, and owe so much to Jeanne Haynes, who was the theater director there. She encouraged me — and it really mattered,” he says

Tuesday night, Newcomer is stepping onto a Broadway stage to perform in the hit “Chicago The Musical” at the Ambassador Theatre. The Tony Award-winning play, set in Prohibition-era Chicago, is all about murder, mayhem and celebrity, all set to the music of John Kander and Fred Ebb.

It is, admits the actor-singer, a surreal experience, if a limited one.

He’s stepping into the role of Mary Sunshine, a pivotal character in the show, while the regular actor in the production takes a vacation break.

“It’s hopefully going to lead to something significant — the casting director has been very kind and encouraging,” says the 29-year-old Burlington County actor, who has been somewhat breathlessly preparing for his Broadway debut for the last several days.

“There are only four rehearsals for the role, although I’m fortunate to be ahead of the game because I played the role in regional theater,” he says. “But each production is different, and musically, there are some significant changes.”

Newcomer has no illusions about the business, and he’s definitely paid his dues.

After training at Rutgers University in vocal performance and also working and training with the prestigious Wolf Trap Opera Company, he studied opera performance at the University of Maryland.

“I’m what is known as a ‘countertenor,’ which means my vocal range is equivalent to that of a contralto or mezzo soprano, which is somewhat unusual,” he says. “It does open some doors.”

But theater is a tricky career, and along with the almost-standard waiter stints, this spirited actor also has taught preschool.

“I absolutely loved being around young children who are a reminder of all the wonder and fun in the world,” Newcomer says.

Working at several local schools, including The Goddard School in Westampton, he knows that, in some ways, teaching is a kind of theater.

“You’re definitely doing some performing to make an impression!” he says.

But as it turned out, the inflexibility of a teaching schedule made waiting on tables a better bet.

“I was more available for auditions, which is the name of the game,” he says.

Over the years, Newcomer has performed with numerous opera companies and hopes to continue doing that. But he also is open to doing non-operatic musicals — with “Chicago” a case in point.

Last November, on a tip from a friend, he auditioned for a version of the show that would entertain a cruise ship audience. The impression he made was so favorable, the Broadway casting team invited him to audition for them a few days later. Then came the recent call to step into the show.

“Walking into the play with the cast already working means that you need to work with the musical director and the choreographer, of course. But I had some extra challenges,” Newcomer says.

Because Mary Sunshine is presumably a female role — although there is a gender-bending twist at the end — Newcomer needed to acquire a wardrobe that consists of female garb with male clothing worn under it for the big “reveal.”

He also needs to wear high heels, which he fortunately has not minded.

Just being in the neighborhood where so many great stars have been born, he says, is a heady experience. And going out on the Ambassador stage for his first rehearsal, he admits, was extraordinary.

“For just a minute, I had to say to myself: ‘This is really happening!’ ” he says.

Nancy and Greg Newcomer, Chris’ enormously proud parents, will be in the audiences several times over the next couple of weeks to see their son perform, and a delighted Jeanne Haynes knows one of her former students is making the leap to Broadway.

“I guess when I’m out there before a live audience, I’ll really believe it’s happening, but for now, it’s all a bit strange — and wonderful. This is what every actor dreams of,” says Newcomer.

“I’m just trying to prepare myself — and hoping that this is the beginning of something amazing, at least for the next couple of weeks.”

“Chicago The Musical” is onstage at the Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., New York City. Newcomer will be performing as Mary Sunshine through Aug. 12.

Sally Friedman is a freelance writer.

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